A yacht succumbs to a 45-minute onslaught by orcas in the latest series of sea mammal attacks on boats. Polish tour operator Morskie Mile revealed on Facebook that their yacht, “Grazie Mamma II,” fell victim to orca aggression while navigating the Strait of Gibraltar on October 31.
The whales targeted the boat’s rudder, causing significant damage and a leak. Despite the captain’s efforts to reach the nearest port and a rescue mission involving the Moroccan Navy, the yacht ultimately sank near the entrance to the port of Tanger Med.
Fortunately, the crew emerged unharmed, as stated in a translated report of the company’s statement. Lech Lewandowski, the owner of Morskie Mile, expressed the sentimental value of the lost yacht, emphasizing the lasting friendships and memorable experiences it facilitated.
The company plans to honor upcoming cruise bookings by utilizing “friends’ yachts,” with future trips spanning the Baltic Sea, Norway, Italy, and the Canary Islands.
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The orca-related incidents with boats have been on the rise since 2020, with three vessels sunk in southern Europe in May. While encounters between orcas and humans are increasing, no human fatalities have been reported.
The trend has sparked internet memes, with some humorously claiming allegiance to the “orca wars.” In a separate incident in September, a Russian boat on a round-the-world journey was sunk following a prolonged attack by tiny cookie-cutter sharks.